technotarek // techcarpentry

// About

TechnoTarek (aka TechCarpentry) represents the professional endeavors of Tarek Anandan (me). My focus is on the intersection of online communications, Internet strategy, website design, and web analytics. I am motivated by good communications, an interest in programming, a fascination with data, a love of creativity and design, and a focus on improving society.

// Specialties

Internet Strategy + Online Communications

Tarek supports organizations by helping them leverage the Internet to improve their outreach, marketing, and communications efforts. My projects are typically for socially-focused ventures and have included websites for agencies of the Federal government and nonprofit organizations including a major national think tank and a large international foundation. Tarek provides advice—as well as hands on labor—on topics such as branding and messaging, effective web writing techniques, and search engine optimization. I'm especially interested in helping organizations turn their website statistics into useful and actionable information.

Website Design and Development

Tarek has contributed to the conceptualization, design, and development of nearly 30 websites. I contribute at all phases, from the initial ideas to the roll up your sleeves programming phase, as well as from site launch to user engagement and ongoing maintenance.

e-Mail Marketing

Tarek helps organizations establish and effectively use e-marketing techniques. I have helped numerous organizations establish e-mail marketing campaigns with lists as few as a hundred subscribers to ones with more than 10,000 subscribers.

Web Analytics

Tarek helps organizations measure the success of their online initiatives, and turns mere numbers into meaningful information and practical advice.

// Tarek's Background and Experience

Tarek has served as a developer, project manager, or consultant for the development of nearly 30 websites. I have worked on sites for a national think tank, a large international foundation, multiple agencies of the federal government, local nonprofit organizations, and several small businesses. My experience spans small sites with a modest amount of traffic and infrequent updates, to sites with daily updates and traffic exceeding 50,000 visitors per month. I have also helped numerous organizations establish e-mail marketing campaigns with lists as small as a few hundred to ones with membership over 10,000.

Tarek has expertise in how electronic media may or may not reach its intended audience. I have an understanding of how search engines like Google view a website and why, and how site owners can improve their reach through strong copy, appropriate links, and higher PageRanks. I also help measure a site's success over time and provide insights that lead to better returns on online investments.

Tarek's academic training is in economics and public policy. Throughout my career I have maintained a close connection to the nonprofit and social sectors. I am a founding Board Member of the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network of Washington DC, serve on the Board of Governors of the University of Michigan's Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy, and currently serve as a Senior Project Manager for the American Institutes for Research, a nonprofit social science and behavioral research organization. Additionally, I have several years of experience in the field of performance management, and have designed and monitored performance metrics for a variety of socially-focused programs.

Interested in learning more? Contact tarek.